Whitecaps FC announce PDL schedule

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC, in conjunction with the United Soccer Leagues (USL), announced today the 2012 USL Premier Development League (PDL) regular season schedule.

After a third place finish in 2011, Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 will again face off against regional foes in the Western Conference’s Northwest Division, including the past two PDL champions in Kitsap Pumas (2011) and Portland Timbers U-23s (2010). Increasing the excitement this season is the addition of Seattle Sounders FC U-23, completing the three-way Cascadia rivalry with Whitecaps FC and the Timbers.

2012 PDL Home Schedule

Date

Time (LOCAL)

Opponent

Venue

Friday, May 4

7:00 p.m. PT

Kitsap Pumas

Swangard Stadium

Friday, May 11

7:30 p.m. PT

Sounders FC U-23

Swangard Stadium

Wednesday, May 23

7:00 p.m. PT

Fraser Valley Mariners

TBA

Saturday, May 26

2:00 p.m. PT

Portland Timbers U-23s

TBA

Friday, June 15

7:00 p.m. PT

Washington Crossfire

TBA

Friday, July 6

8:00 p.m. PT

North Sound SeaWolves FC

Swangard Stadium

Sunday, July 8

7:00 p.m. PT

Victoria Highlanders FC

Minoru Oval Park

Wednesday, July 11

12:00 p.m. PT

Fraser Valley Mariners

Swangard Stadium

“We’re very excited for this coming PDL season in the Northwest Division,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC president. “We couldn’t have asked for a more competitive schedule. Playing against the past two league champions while also bringing the Cascadia rivalry to the PDL level will be a great test for our young players, so I encourage everyone to come out and watch.”

Head coach Richard Grootscholten’s squad open their 2012 PDL campaign on Friday, May 4, at home to defending league champions Kitsap Pumas at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT. A week later, the Blue and White are back at Swangard Stadium as they host rivals Sounders FC U-23 at 7:30 p.m. PT.

The next three home matches see the 'Caps play host to Fraser Valley Mariners on Wednesday, May 23, Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers U-23s on Saturday, May 26, and Washington Crossfire on Friday, June 15. Venues for all three matches are to be announced.

Grootscholten’s side finishes their home schedule with three home matches in five days. First, the ‘Caps play North Sound SeaWolves FC on Friday, July 6, at 8 p.m. PT at Swangard Stadium. Then, on July 8, they head to Richmond’s Minoru Oval Park to face provincial adversary Victoria Highlanders FC at 7 p.m. PT. The match will be the second of a doubleheader, with the Whitecaps FC women opening against the Victoria Highlanders FC women’s squad at 4 p.m. PT. The ‘Caps conclude the regular season back at Swangard Stadium, as they host Fraser Valley Mariners on Wednesday, July 11, at 7 p.m. PT.

“Playing in such a strong division is great for our young players to grow and develop,” said Grootscholten. “The support that we received from fans that came out last season was absolutely fantastic and I’m sure that it will be even better this year.”